Budget Bliss: Crafting Cozy Country Christmas Gifts Affordably

Let's face it, this year has put a lot of us in challenging positions financially. And although we don't want to be a scrooge, we still have to watch our spending. In this episode, I've come up with three wonderful gifts that anyone can make and everyone would love to receive!

#christmas #budget #recipes #diy #gifts

Here are the promised recipes!

Hot Cocoa Mix

2 C Confectioners’ sugar
1 C Unsweetened cocoa powder
2 C Powdered milk
Dash of vanilla extract (optional after the cocoa has been made)

Directions:
1.) Sift the confectioners’ sugar followed by unsweetened cocoa in a large bowl to get rid of any lumps, bumps or otherwise unsightly objects
2.) Stir in the powdered milk and whisk, whisk, whisk until everything is very well combined (remember, presentation is key).
3.) Add approximately ½ cup of cocoa mix to ½ cup of hot water (it’s a nice ratio to start with)
4.) Mix thoroughly and top with miniature marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles or candy canes.

This recipe started with a recipe from the Pioneer Woman and can be found here:
https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a81118/how-to-make-hot-chocolate-mix/

I like to tweak my recipes a bit and so can you!
Wild Rice Soup Recipe

1 C Wild rice
1/4 C Barley
1/4 C Split Peas
1 C Dried Vegetables (I love to use carrot, corn and beans – they add a great flavor and color)
1/8 C Dried Celery
1/4 C Dried mushrooms (use your favorite variety, I like portabella)
2 C Powdered milk (final user will add 8 cups water – this is the cream base)
2 T of Onion Flakes or Onion Powder
1 T Kosher or Sea Salt
1 T Crushed black pepper
1 Pkg Dry Chicken Gravy (final user will add 3 cups water)

Final user will add all ingredients into a crockpot, stir and serve once warmed completely through on medium heat.
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

2 ¼ C plus 2 T all-purpose flour. If you’re like me, there are some recipes that measuring in grams works better…this is one of those recipes. (302 grams please)!
1 t baking soda
¼ t baking powder
¼ t fine salt (I like sea salt for this, but it’s your choice)
¼ c granulated sugar (50 grams)
¾ c light brown sugar (150 grams)
12 T powdered peanut butter (end user will need to add 6 T of water) OR you can instruct them that they will need to add ¾ cup of creamy peanut butter
2 T Dried whole egg powder (the end user would need to add ½ T water OR instruct them to add one room temperature egg)
1 t vanilla extract (optional, but nice to have…the end user should add this when they mix the ingredients together)
Hershey’s kisses (enough to unwrap and enough for you to snack on)

In a separate clear bag, add ½ c granulated sugar (to roll the dough in before placing on the cookie sheet)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Baking sheet
Mix all of the above ingredients together
Spoon into small 1-2 tablespoon sized cookies, roll the dough in your hands, then roll into the sugar that was in the bag and place on the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for 9-12 minutes
Keep an eye on them, when the edges are just a little brown, remove from the oven
Add a Hershey’s kiss to each cookie
Enjoy with a cup of cold milk or the above hot cocoa!

Видео Budget Bliss: Crafting Cozy Country Christmas Gifts Affordably канала Lynne's Homesteading Journey